By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill allowing certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain certification while working for municipalities and counties.
Rep. Nichole Miller (R-Edmond) secured House passage of House Bill 4275 on Wednesday.
Under current law, certification is largely tied to employment with the state, certain state contractors, tribal entities or Veterans facilities.
Expanding eligibility to the county and municipal level would allow these professionals to directly support county sheriff’s and first responders, including police and fire personnel, as part of coordinated mental health response efforts.
HB 4275 would create uniformity in the rules and standards for certification of both behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists.
The bill would also maintain existing education, examination, supervision and continuing education requirements.
“Allied mental health professionals are a critical part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system,” said Miller. “As we continue strengthening that system, we have to make sure the professionals who are trained and certified to help can serve where they are needed most. This bill removes unnecessary barriers so behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can work in places like fire departments and courts while maintaining the credentials that ensure quality and accountability.”
Allied mental health professionals often work directly with individuals navigating mental illness or substance use recovery, helping connect them to services, monitor progress and provide peer support based on lived experience.
As part of municipal and county mental health response teams, case managers and peer recovery support specialists would be able to assist sheriffs and first responders in crisis situations, helping connect individuals to appropriate treatment and community-based resources.
The bill passed the House 91-5 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
